Foundations of Leadership Program

This 16-week, college-level online course teaches home improvement retail managers to be stronger leaders and communicators so they can work toward solving business issues like employee productivity and turnover.

Course Curriculum

Understanding the journey to improved leadership and performance begins by learning about the individual. The class is designed to move students from learning about their core identity to building and leading teams. The learning themes include:

Understanding Me and My Strengths

Module 1

Discover the wide range of personality types and complete a personality assessment.

Leadership and Me

Module 2

Understand leadership through vision and values, and learn about different leadership styles.

Entrepreneurial Leadership

Module 3

Be introduced to workplace innovation and creativity for strategic advantage.

Constructive Conflict and Communication

Module 4

Discover the mutual accountability model and how to be effective through all means of communication.

Developing Talent

Module 5

Understand the stewardship of people cycle.

Team Building

Module 6

Learn different interviewing styles to achieve the best employee selection and performance management.

Strengthening the Team

Through this program, retailers can give their best employees the opportunity to develop their own leadership styles, learn best practices in communication and problem-solving and gain knowledge on how to build and develop teams. In return, retailers will improve employee retention and reduce turnover in their businesses.

What is the first step?

Retailers should Identify the employees on their team who are ready to take the next step in their careers. This program, developed by a consortium of independent retailers and Ball State University, will give staff members the confidence and knowledge to succeed.

It has been a great learning experience, and I have thanked my bosses for giving me the opportunity to be the first in our company to take it.

- Brett B.

This course is awesome! You get to learn a lot about yourself, and it might even be stuff that you’ve realized but never really thought about. It’s really a great learning experience.

- Alisha M.

I really enjoyed the whole process of digging a little deeper and finding out my own strengths and weaknesses. I feel strongly that moving forward this will be very beneficial for me.

- Cheryl H.

I am a Marine and we pride ourselves on being leaders! I thought to myself at the beginning of this program, “What am I going to learn from hardware people that I don't already know?” Another thing Marines pride themselves on is how many tools we have in our “leadership tool box.” After this course, I had to add another drawer to my tool box!

- Jason F.

I learned that change is possible with the right communication and leadership. Encouraging and coaching have led to a better service awareness that we will continue to drive.

- Scott H.

I encouraged a team member of mine to take this course, and I will be his mentor for the next course! I encourage him to share his new wealth of knowledge with his friends and family.

- Josh D.

Program Details

Who should attend?

Employees who are new to management or are looking to improve their leadership and interpersonal skills

New store managers, assistant managers and supervisors who want to build better, more engaged teams.

Students who apply for admission to the NRHA Foundations of Leadership Program will be evaluated for acceptance by program administrators.

What is the cost?

This 16-week online program is $1,250.

Assessment fees and course materials are not included.

Application and Session Dates

Winter 2019 Session Schedule

Application Deadline—Jan. 4, 2019

Orientation Call—Jan. 7-11, 2019

Online Classes—Jan. 14-Apr. 14, 2019

Capstone Assignment—Apr. 15-May 12, 2019

Closing Conference Call—May 13-17, 2019

Summer 2019 Session Schedule

Application Deadline—July 8, 2019

Orientation Call—July 15-19, 2019

Online Classes—July 22-Oct. 20, 2019

Capstone Assignment—Oct. 21-Nov. 17, 2019

Closing Conference Call—Nov. 18-22, 2019

Fall 2019 Session Schedule

Application Deadline—Sept. 6, 2019

Orientation Call—Sept. 16-20, 2019

Online Classes—Sept. 23-Dec. 22, 2019

Capstone Assignment—Dec. 23, 2019-Jan. 19, 2020

Closing Conference Call—Jan. 20-24, 2020

Developed With Retailers in Mind

Flexible Learning Schedule

Each of the six learning modules will be covered in a two-week period to accommodate students’ busy schedules. Students will spend the final four weeks completing a capstone assignment.

Collaborative Online Learning Environment

Students can personalize their online learning experience by fostering communication with course instructors and other students.

Top Instructors in Leadership Development

Core instructional videos within the curriculum are presented by top Ball State University instructors specializing in leadership development and entrepreneurship.

Industry-Relevant Curriculum

This program was developed with input and guidance from leading independent home improvement retailers, including Aubuchon Hardware, Buchheit, Friedman’s Home Improvement, Foxworth-Galbraith, Jerry’s Home Improvement, Sunshine Ace and Wilco Stores. It is designed to meet the specific needs of leadership development within the industry.

Applied-Learning Focus

Each student will be assigned a mentor within their company who will help guide them through the learning process. Mentors will be provided with discussion points for each module to help them engage students in how to apply what they learned to the business each step of the way.

Capstone Business Assessment Project

At the conclusion of the program, students will be ready to perform a subjective assessment of their business unit and apply their new skills to address some of the core issues in the business and recommendations for improvement in key areas.

NRHA STIHL Foundations of Leadership Conference

Students, mentors and sponsors participating in the program are invited to attend the annual NRHA STIHL Foundations of Leadership Conference in Indianapolis. This event is a great opportunity to meet course instructors and other members of your cohort in person. The conference is free for all participating students and sponsors.

Apply Online

The NRHA Foundations of Leadership Program, sponsored by STIHL, was developed in conjunction with a consortium of leading home improvement retailers and Ball State University’s John H. Schnatter Institute for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise.